Hazelton spent the past two seasons as the defensive coordinator for North Dakota State. He spent the previous three seasons as the defensive-line coach for the Bison.

Last year, NDSU ranked first among FCS schools in points allowed (12.73/game). The Bison also tied for seventh in takeaways (31 in 15 games).

According to his bio on the school''s website, Hazelton worked under Gus Bradley while serving as a graduate assistant at NDSU in 2000 and '01. Bradley is now the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks under former USC coach Pete Carroll.

The Cornhuskers ranked first in the nation in passing-efficiency defense in 2009 and third in '10.

USC lost linebackers coach Joe Barry and receivers coach Ted Gilmore earlier this month when both took jobs in the NFL. The Trojans operated without a full-time secondary coach in 2011 after Willie Mack Garza resigned two days before the season opener.

The receivers-coach job remains open. USC's first spring practice is slated for March 6.

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